Sites of formation of fructose, citric acid and sialic acid in the accessory glands of the giant fruit bat, Pteropus giganteus giganteus (Brünnich)

Abstract

The morphology of the male genital tract and the sites of formation of fructose, citric acid and sialic acid in the male accessory glands of the giant fruit bat, Pteropus giganteus giganteus are described. The seminal vesicle secretes only fructose while the prostate and ampullary glands secrete both fructose and citric acid. Cowper's glands secrete large amounts of sialic acid. However, considerable variations in content and concentration of these constituents are found within the group.